Leigh Community 10k
I signed up to the inaugural Leigh Community 10k as soon as I heard about the event, in fact, I was the 34th confirmed entrant. Being a local lad born and bred, having an event so close to home, it would be a sin to miss such an event.
The course is flat, fast and looping, one that sings out "personal best".
I have ran the roads of the course multiple times in my many training runs so felt very prepared for the day itself.
Based on my race dedicated training plan, my intention was to hit a sub 50 minute 10k. Something that had been an elusive goal for me for quite a while. Also, having never done a 10k road race before (I have done a 10k trail run and was rewarded with a pie), this was the event to go for the time.
Joined by my IronBro, IronCuz, Rosh, Gaz and Amy and 600 other runners we were all ready to take in the sights of Leigh. The Town Hall, Cineworld, Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, The Bowling Green, Green Lane Chippy, just stunning views for the full 6.2 miles. Thankfully, the support crowds were out in full and with this being a three loop course, motivation and cheers were always just around the corner.
I settled myself into the starting pen just behind the 50 minute pacer with the intention of sticking with him for the first loop and then edging further and further away. Aiming for a steady 7:50/mile pace (that I had trained for) would bring me in around the 48/49 minute marker. After the first small loop, I looked at the pacer far in front, he was pacing for a 45 minute run given his current speed. I decided to focus purely on my pacing and ensure I was able to hit goal rather than chase a pipe dream. As I turned towards the end of the first loop, back towards the Town Hall, I was feeling great. Family adorned the street cheering as I passed.
The second loop extended further out towards the far side of Leigh and the long Holden road return. Here I knew I was perfectly on pace, but needed to plan my increase for the second loop. Analysing the terrain, gradient and my legs trying to work out when I could serious increase the tempo. Again, support was out in full and clapping as we all looped and plodded around the closed streets.
As I passed my family again for the second time I was perfectly on pace for my goal. I stated to my lovely, supportive wife that I would see her again in 15 minutes.
The last loop seemed a little longer, but that was definitely the fatigue hitting my thighs, but determination was the real motivator on this day and keeping a close eye on my watch for time and pace helped me focus.
Hitting the 5 mile mark, I thought, is this the time to go, should I do it, should I aim to go all out, balls out for the last mile or is that too far? before I knew it a further quarter of a mile had gone by. Now Pondo, now. I started to increase the pace, gradual at first, my cadence increasing, pushing every step with more and more power.
As I turned for the final quarter mile to the finish my pace had increased to what I would call sprinting territory. I am not a fast runner, but at this moment in time I was pushing for every ounce of energy to be pumped into my legs.
With the finish line in view I put myself into full throttle, my face began to gurn, teeth grit and noises started emitting. This is when an official shouted, "Finishers on the right, Finishers on the right!". I was on the wrong side of the road and had to cut across runners that were just starting their final lap. Apologising (although this again was probably just grunts), I hurtled across the road towards the finishing filter lane launching across the finish line.
All the training had paid off, I now hold a new personal best for the 10k distance and it is 48 mins 31 seconds. I am over the moon with my pacing for the full run and will be signing up next year to see if I can chip a further few seconds off the time.
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